How to Grow Strawberries in Containers for a Delicious Harvest—No Garden Required

Strawberries are a fantastic choice for container gardening. Their compact, fast-growing nature lets you enjoy fresh berries in small spaces. Whether in hanging baskets, window boxes, or pots, these fruit-bearing plants aren’t picky about where they grow,

Their shallow root system provides advantages for container growing, as it requires less soil volume, allowing you to cultivate your own berry patch on your patio. While strawberries are easy to grow in pots and containers, they require adequate care to ensure a bountiful harvest. Ahead, strawberry growers share expert tips to help you produce thriving, container-grown strawberry plants.

When to Plant Strawberries

The best time to plant strawberries in containers is in early spring, says Robb Thorstenson, farmer and co-owner of Wise Acres Organic Farm. This timing allows the plants to establish a healthy root system before the summer heat arrives.

Best Types of Strawberries for Containers

Strawberries are typically categorized into three main types: everbearing, day-neutral and June-bearing. All of them grow wonderfully in pots or containers.

• Everbearing strawberries: This variety offers two harvests per year, typically in late spring or early summer and then again in late summer or early fall. The berries are smaller than June-bearing types.
• Day-neutral strawberries: Get strawberries all summer long with day-neutral strawberries. They are not sensitive to the length of daylight and will produce fruit as long as weather conditions are favorable for their growing needs.
• June-bearing strawberries: As the name implies, this variety produces a large, single crop of strawberries typically in June or early Summer.

How to Plant Strawberries in Containers

Container-grown strawberries are easy to plant. Follow these steps to boost harvest efficiency and improve the health of your plants.

 Select a Container

Pot strawberries in a wide, shallow container with ample drainage holes. Strawberries have a shallow root system, so they do not need a deep pot, says Thorstenson. A container 8 inches deep and 10 to 12 inches wide is ideal. The wider the container, the more room the strawberries have to spread and send out more runners. Generally, you can plant two strawberry plants in a container this size.

Plant Your Strawberries

Fill the container with high-quality, loamy, well-draining potting mix. Position your strawberry plant so the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is just above the soil surface. Next, backfill the soil around the roots, avoiding covering the crown with soil.

Water the Strawberries

Thoroughly water your newly potted strawberry plants. You should see new growth within a few days to a few weeks. Consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of your plants to reduce their watering needs.

How to Care for Strawberries in Containers

Now that your strawberries are potted, following these simple care instructions will make their maintenance a breeze.

Sunlight

Strawberries thrive in full sun and produce a greater harvest when they receive at least eight hours of sunlight daily.

Soil

Strawberries are prone to root rot, so ensure their roots don’t sit in water by providing well-draining soil. "Potting soil mixes made for containers work well," says Thorstenson. Adding compost to the mix will boost nutrient content and improve aeration.

Water

These plants need frequent and consistent watering, especially when fruiting. During the heat of summer, Thorstenson recommends watering your containers daily. Aim for at least 1 to 2 inches of water per week, and keep in mind that plants grown in containers tend to dry out more frequently.

Fertilizer

Strawberries are heavy feeders and benefit from regular application of a high-quality fertilizer. Thorstenson recommends applying organic fish emulsion throughout the growing season as a balanced all-purpose fertilizer. “While our plants love it, not everyone appreciates the fishy smell, so most other balanced fertilizers will also work fine,” he says. He also recommends feeding your plants liquid kelp every two weeks once the first blossoms appear to provide extra potassium to ensure large, flavorful fruit.

Temperature

Strawberries thrive in mild to warm temperatures, typically 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal daytime temperatures for growth are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit benefit root and leaf development. While strawberries can tolerate some heat, prolonged temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce fruit quality and production.

Pruning Strawberries in Containers

To keep strawberries prolific, remove and discard any dead, yellow, or diseased leaves throughout the growing season. At the end of the fruiting season, strawberry plants stop producing berries and enter their reproductive stage. During this phase, they form tube-like "runners" from which tiny strawberry plants develop at the ends. When the plants go dormant in winter, cut the runner connecting the mother plant to the daughter plant. Afterward, remove the mother plant and discard it. The mother plant is more susceptible to diseases and typically produces only half as many berries in the second year. The daughter plant is a genetic clone of the mother, but it will be stronger, healthier, and more productive.

When and How to Harvest Strawberries

Strawberries are ready for harvest when the berries are fully ripe, usually four to six weeks after flowering. To ensure the best flavor and texture, select strawberries that are bright red and slightly soft to the touch. Gently twist the strawberry to detach it from the stem, as pulling can damage the plant.

How to Store Strawberries

Avoid washing strawberries before storing them to preserve their fresh, just-picked flavor and help them last longer. Do not use airtight containers for storage, as they can trap moisture and lead to mold or spoilage. Place unwashed strawberries in an open container lined with paper towels to absorb excess humidity for optimal storage.

Overwintering Strawberries

Typically, container-grown strawberries in zones 4 through 8 need winter protection. To keep the roots of your strawberry plants from freezing, place them in an unheated garage or shed, or under a deck. Water the plants only when the soil is dry. Applying a layer of mulch, like leaves or straw, around the pot will help protect the roots from freezing.

Common Problems

Although strawberries are relatively easy to care for, they may encounter some issues. Being aware of these problems in advance can help you prevent or reduce potential threats.

Root Rot

Strawberries are susceptible to root rot, so the container must have excellent drainage. "Avoid containers with attached saucers and designs that hold water in the pot's base," says Lisa Rayburn, area extension agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. "If necessary, add a large 3/4-inch wide drainage hole to the lowest part of the pot."

Slugs

Slugs consume fruit and foliage, leaving a distinct, slimy trail. They prefer to hide during the day, so searching for them under your pots and among plant debris is helpful. Hand remove the slugs to eliminate them from your plants.

Animals

Like humans, birds, rabbits, and deer love strawberries and will eat them. Rayburn recommends using bird netting to protect strawberry containers when the fruit starts to ripen. To make your containers less attractive to deer and rabbits, Rayburn advises placing them in high-traffic locations close to the home, perhaps on a patio or in a small garden area.